Microplate Barcode Labeler User Guide - Agilent Technologies

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Chapter 3: Installing the VCode
VCode User Guide
Choosing between a serial or Ethernet network
Connection options
You can connect one or more VCodes to the controlling computer using
either:
❑ A serial network
❑ An Ethernet network
You may also be setting up a new network or adding your VCode to an
existing network.
How to choose
If you are adding your VCode to an existing network, the choice about
whether to use a serial or Ethernet communication has already been
made. If you are setting up a new network, some reasons for making a
choice are given below.
Why serial might be better
Connecting the computer to the VCode using a serial cable is simpler
than connecting with an Ethernet cable. With serial, there is no network
card to install, no IP addressing to set up and no software to install.
Serial networking has another advantage. If your controlling computer
has an Ethernet network card, you do not have to use it for the lab
automation network so you can use it to connect to your building’s
general Ethernet network. If you want to set up an Ethernet network, you
will have to install a second network card.
Why Ethernet might be better
Ethernet is a faster, more reliable, and more flexible communication
technology than serial. Depending on the specifications of your
computer, you may experience communication problems with a serial
network, in which case you will have to use an Ethernet network.
Another advantage of Ethernet networking is that you can run many
VCodes or other devices from a single network port on your computer.
Serial connections require one port for every device. If you are planning
to network more than one VCode, your computer may not have enough
serial ports so you will have to add more.
Related information
For more information about...
See...
Setting up a serial network “Connecting with serial” on page 35
Setting up an Ethernet network
“About Ethernet networking” on
page 36